We are still tackling the topic of parasites this episode, so far we have learned that you for sure have them, we have learned what parasites are (an organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets their food from or at the expense of their host), we learned that parasites live in all body tissues (not just your gut), and we talked about the top mistakes that people make when trying to get rid of parasites.
In all of that, I overlooked telling you about one very important aspect - do parasite cleanses work? And you may be thinking - that if we talked about the mistakes then they must. You wouldn’t be wrong but we are looking at the science.
Today we are talking about it. Do parasite cleanses work? Are there times when they don’t?
Let’s dig in.
Welcome! if this is your first time listening - I’m Audrey Christie - I’m a functional and integrative nurse nutritionist and energy medicine practitioner who helps women heal from chronic illness and autoimmune disease. Helping you to stop chasing symptoms, find your root causes, and heal your body from autoimmune and chronic illness.
So if you weren’t too excited about the last couple of episodes, don’t worry this is the last episode dedicated to parasites and parasite cleanses/detoxes for a bit. In the last episode, we talked about the top mistakes people make when detoxing parasites but we didn’t talk about the science - does it even work?
Do you need a parasite cleanse?
Are you feeling bad, unwell even? Having symptoms that may not seem connected? Having gut issues? Skin issues? All of this going on but having trouble tracing the source? First - check out episode 156 and see if parasites are a possibility for you. Or I can save you the trouble - yes parasites could be to blame, but you should still go listen so you understand the what and the why. Knowledge is power friends.
The problem with trying to get an official parasitic infection diagnosis is that (well you know how I feel about the D-word), the official stool tests are unreliable, and the symptoms are super vague.
Conventional vs Natural Approaches to Cleanse Parasites
From a conventional perspective, the plan is generally to test, kill the parasites, test again, kill again if needed THEN go to a parasite cleanse. And that isn’t the wrong way, especially if you have an acute and potentially life-threatening infection. Where I see this fail most often is in not ensuring to strengthen the body and making sure the drainage/elimination pathways are flowing before killing and cleansing.
The one thing conventional and naturopathic medicine agree on is that these critters must receive an eviction notice I just prefer a more cautious, safer, and more effective path of treatment.
There are tons of parasite cleanses on the market but not all of them are legit. If you are thinking of DIY-ing it - at a minimum I recommend taking my drainage and energy class. It is a critical first step. And then I recommend doing all the research, start with listening to all of my podcasts on parasites because it is critical that you have the knowledge to know when to push through and when to pull back to ensure that you do this safely.
The best option is to get the help of a qualified practitioner to help create a custom plan for you. Many of the natural and conventional preparations that help to cleanse parasites can interact with other supplements and medications.
What to Look for in a Parasite Cleanse
When assessing natural options, it is important for you to know what products work, what natural supplements are studied and we know they have antiparasitic effects. Ingredients to look for include:
Garlic (Allium sativum). Garlic is the original food as medicine. In addition to all the other cool things that garlic helps with, it also works as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic. It kills both parasites and eggs. This is another study-backed but ancient remedy, in 2018 a study confirmed garlic’s effectiveness to cleanse parasites.
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris). Medical researchers have known since early 2014 that this plant medicine is heavily anti-parasitic.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) Goldenseal contains a compound called berberine - yep the same one that you have heard me recommend to naturally heal that UTI. (link) Most of the studies are test-tube studies, but Berberine kills a wide range of other types of parasites and other germs such as those that cause candida (yeast) infections and parasites such as tapeworms and Giardia. These studies haven’t been done in humans but this plant has a long history of successful and safe use in Chinese and ayurvedic medicine. And by long use, I mean hundreds of years.
Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium) reduces IBS and diarrhea symptoms thought to be related to parasitic infection.
Wormwood (Artemisia annua). A 2017 study found wormwood to be effective in eliminating 17 different parasitic infections. The parasite fight activity is linked to the thujone compound found in the herb. Although we are beginning to develop studies NOW to prove these things work - this particular herb has been around for this purpose since ancient Egypt. And like most ancient remedies, if it has stood the test of time it is worth looking into as it will likely stand the scientific test too.
Black walnuts (Juglans nigra) are super nutritious and have been long been used and studied for their antioxidant and antibacterial compounds in their outer shells, or hulls, make them useful for naturally treating parasitic and bacterial infections
This isn’t an all-inclusive list - but it is a list of some of the most effective ingredients required to ensure your parasite cleanse will work.
More questions about parasite detox?
If you have more questions about parasite detox and healing from the root cause of what you are going through I would love to have you join us in the Wellness Circle, my exclusive and free community to help women pursuing holistic wellness, body, mind, and spirit and discussions around the Root Cause Revolution Podcast and even some free office hours on Fridays to get your private questions answered - friends chronic disease is a preventable and autoimmune disease is capable of being healed or put in remission (and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise you deserve to feel good!) You can get the direct link on the show notes page or at audreychristie.com/facebook
To wrap this up - it is possible and necessary to detox or cleanse parasites from your body - just make sure you are using a method that works and that those drainage pathways are flowing!
And don’t forget to join me for the drainage and energy class!
If you want to learn more about me, about how to implement these things into your life to feel better in simple practical, and sustainable ways - head over to AudreyChristie.com there’s free downloads, online courses (on this VERY topic), programs, and tons of resources to help you create your own health and wellness revolution.
And don’t forget to register so you don't miss the drainage and energy class!
Remember that I am always rooting for you, friend and I am so grateful for you listening! See you next time!